See the full list of paddle brands approved for PPA Tour, MLP events
Last Edited
Dec 27 2024
Category
News
The Kitchen has obtained an updated list of paddle brands that have been granted preliminary approval for use on the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball in 2025.
The United Pickleball Association -- the governing body of the PPA Tour and MLP -- plans to announce new standards and testing procedures for full certification by the end of 2025, with the goal of requiring full certification sometime between July 1 and Oct. 1.
But starting Jan. 1, paddles will need to meet the following UPA-A Provisional Approval guidelines:
- For paddles that already have USA Pickleball certification, brands will be required to send in paddles to UPA-A for provisional approval. This ensures that the paddles are tested and meet the legal standards for play.
- All manufacturers must ensure that the paddles submitted for approval are constructed from the same materials and specifications as the ones used in professional play during UPA competitions.
The following companies have sent paddles to the UPA-A lab partners for provisional certification and are listed as "in good standing."
Adidas
Avoura
Callaway
CRBN
Franklin
Holbrook
Joola
Nox
Onix
PaddleTek
PIKKL
ProKennex
Proton
ProXR
Selkirk
Six Zero
Thrive
Versix
Volair
Vulcan
Wilson
Some brands are still undecided, evaluating options or have not yet communicated with the UPA-A on whether they will seek UPA certification.
Onsite testing of paddles will be conducted at all events. Only paddles with UPA-A Provisional Certification will be tested and allowed for play.
Notably absent from that list are five major paddle brands that as of Dec. 27 had not taken the necessary steps to gain approval from the pro tour's governing body.
Those brands are:
Gearbox
Engage
Head
Gamma
Vatic
If those companies continue to be holdouts, pro players will be unable to use paddles from those brands in 2025 PPA Tour events, starting Jan. 6 at The Masters in Palm Springs, California.
The companies could at any point reconsider their decision and submit paddles for UPA-A approval in 2025.
Gearbox, Engage, Head, Gamma and Vatic paddles are still approved for use by USA Pickleball and therefore can be used at the amateur level.
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